Passengers had to be rescued after the train they were on hit a tree this evening.

Southeastern reported that the train struck the tree near New Hythe and lines between Maidstone West and Strood were blocked as a result.

Staff from Network Rail were sent to deal with the incident, with passengers being told to stay put for the time being.

A short while later, a second train arrived alongside the stuck one, and passengers were transferred onto the 'rescue train'.

A tweet from Southeastern reads: "Passengers have been transferred to the rescue train and it will be on the move shortly to Snodland."

Replacement buses from Go-Coach and Travelmaster were put on between Paddock wood and Maidstone West, and also between Maidstone West and Strood in both directions while the incident was dealt with.

Southeastern has since reported that the line has now re-opened: "There may still be delays and cancellations because one of the three trains that serve the line has now been taken out of service.

"Replacement buses will run in place of any cancelled services this evening."

Read more: All the latest news from Malling

Read more: All the latest news from Maidstone